I think it was literally only yesterday that I said I really don’t get along with compact foundations – they always seem too drying for me. So, it’s ironic that today I’m testing out compact foundations that don’t seem to be, er, drying! The L’Oreal Paris True Match Genius compacts have a slippy feel from the get-go and although they’re not the same as a liquid foundation, I’d be wrong to describe them as drying exactly.
It’s almost embarrassing that there are only 6 shades – it doesn’t take a genius to work out that if you have a dark tone there isn’t anything for you yet. However, the liquid counterpart, True Match Foundation, has 21 shades, so all is not lost – I guess if these are successful they could easily go on to have a more comprehensive selection. I’m a big fan of L’Oreal foundations – Lumi Magique is an all time favourite – they’ve totally nailed the high street market for bases and I don’t know of any brand doing it better at a similar price. Shades above are Linen, Sand and Golden Beige.
Here they are swatched in the same order, but please bear in mind that my skin is quite tanned still.
The next three are Rose Beige, Beige and Rose Vanilla.
And in the same order as a swatch.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Genius gives a velvet finish so I’d personally rule out using it on that basis alone, but I’m wearing it now as a test and have to say that while my skin doesn’t feel dry, it doesn’t feel as though it has the same flexibility and softness as when I use a liquid. I think, in reality, that this is a foundation for younger skin; any velvet formulas tend to amplify creases or pores and I’d want a lot of moisturiser underneath before wearing this which would rather defeat the purpose – I might as well be using a hydrating fluid foundation.
But, if velvet finish is your thing I can’t really fault it. Its £12.99. If you prefer a liquid, Lumi Magique is HERE and I recommend it highly. I don’t have a launch date for the compacts and they’re not on-line yet but may well be in store already.
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11 comments
I know compact foundations are great for convenience but I always think they are terribly poor value for money. You get so little product and go through them so quickly, I don’t know if its the sponge applicator just me, but I’d never buy a compact foundation again!
Im really intrigued by this, i wouldn’t use the sponge though i think i would still use a makeup brush x
Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave
I purchased mine at Superdrug last month. I like the coverage and blends in well. I don’t like the sponge though – it absorbs too much of the product.
I have never been keen on compact foundations myself but I am intrigued to try this out!
Lauren x | http://www.laurenapowers.blogspot.com
It seems odd that they market it as a primer, foundation, concealer and powder. Well, maybe not odd but doubtful lol. How is the coverage? I’m curious about this new foundation. Thanks for the swatches!
It’s a medium weight but I think velvet finishes always look a bit heavier. And yes.. four in one my ass!
Wow, it sounds lovely.
I’ve never tried a compact foundation, I’d be worried they’d look dry too. Pretty interesting idea that you can use it as a 4 in 1.
Tiffany Tales – A British Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Personally, I find them drying, but I think they’re a good option if you’re oily x
I have this and it’s pretty poor, I am 28 and have ok skin not to try not too oily. The first time I used this as a foundation and I discovered I had pores on my cheeks. It creases quite badly and really sticks to dry patches
BUT! I have discovered it’s great for touch ups – this always happens no matter which product I used but foundation wears of my red bobble chin and I need to touch up. I use the true match liquid foundation and this compact is great for repairing my chin red blob and a bits around my nose again that always wear off.
Maybe it’s all the chin stroking I do when I am pondering which foundation colour to buy
that’s great feedback..thank you so much x